Diagnosing Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disorder, impacting both the aortic valve (which controls the flow of blood into the aorta) and the thoracic aorta (the major vessel that sends blood throughout the body). Approximately one to two percent of people have BAV, and in about nine percent of those cases the condition is hereditary, so family screening is important—especially because the majority of patients with BAV have no symptoms.

How is Bicuspid Aortic Valve Diagnosed?Your primary care physician may make an initial diagnosis upon hearing a heart murmur during a physical examination. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound caused by turbulent blood flow across an abnormal valve, and may be caused by:

Aortic regurgitation/insufficiency: The aortic valve does not close completely, causing the valve to leak

While most people with BAV experience no symptoms (less than five percent of BAV patients who are closely followed develop complications), those who do feel symptoms may have the following:

Trouble breathing

Fatigue/feeling over-tired

Chest pain or pressure

Heart racing

Light-headedness

Fainting

Echocardiograms and Bicuspid Aortic ValveAn echocardiogram (echo) is the most accurate way to confirm the diagnosis of BAV. An echo uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. An echo can also help identify complications including:

Aortic regurgitation/insufficiency: The aortic valve does not close completely, causing the valve to leak

Aortic aneurysm: The vessel wall of the aorta balloons outward

Coarctation of the aorta: The aorta becomes too narrow along an edge

Team Approach to Treating Bicuspid Aortic Valve DiseaseWe believe a multidisciplinary approach leads to more successful treatment of heart disease. Our expert team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, psychologists and social workers collaborate to help patients manage the disease. During your care, a dedicated nurse coordinator will follow your case and help coordinate the team.

Advanced Diagnostic ToolsNorthwestern’s Center for Translational Imaging offers patients with BAV access to advanced diagnostic technology. Tools like four-dimensional (4D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CAT or CT scan) can help our team at the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program identify complications from BAV and determine the best course of treatment.